I need help handling my mechanic

[Starter986]

Originally Posted by Geof3

I love how everyone assumes this guy is out to do you wrong. You said you trusted the guy, why would he all of a sudden F- you for a few bucks?

Hunting down “rattles and knocks” in ANY car is a crap shoot at best. Unless you can physically put your hand on something and make it clunk, one way or the other, it is very difficult to pinpoint. If you trust this mechanic, call it good that he found the items that needed work, now it’s phase two... troubleshooting. Had they sold you parts to replace those that were truly not worn (a 99 is going to have worn suspension parts) then that would be a discussion. It sounds like they are willing to work with you, so I’m not sure what they can do?

Here is a little story, I have a lifted Jeep Liberty that makes a distinct clunk upon braking that NO ONE can figure out. I have replaced basically the entire front end (needed it anyway) shocks etc. CV’s, wheels bearings have no sign of slop or play. Yet, it still clunks. Figuring out suspension (if its even a suspension issue) can be very hard. If I were you I would take a look at your steering components, often times these can be the source of noises.

While $$$ and frustrating, consider your new found front end tightness, which makes the car that much more fun!

Did you replace the strut mounts? That once was a source of a clunk in a previously owned vehicle of mine.

[Geof3]

Originally Posted by Starter986

Did you replace the strut mounts? That once was a source of a clunk in a previously owned vehicle of mine.

Yep, and in the Jeep’s case even the upper and lower control arms, sway bar links, shocks/Springs etc etc. I do most of my own work, but have had this problem looked at a couple of times. It truly is baffling. Could be almost anything.

To the OP, shocks/struts/suspension are wear items and need to be replaced. Porsche’s tend to be a little harder (Boxsters particularly) on suspension parts due to the camber generally run for good handling, especially if set up with any kind of track oriented alignment, or running wider wheels/tires. Kind of part of the game in the sports car world. Another thing to look at are your fender bolts and any and all bolted in items in the frunk. Generally a suspension won’t “rattle”. Tap on your right front wheel center cap... it might be loose. You would be amazed at how funky that can sound.